Marks & Spencer’s chief executive Sir Stuart Rose is to step up to the role of executive chairman of the business in June, and leave it in 2011. The move, which combines the roles of chairman and chief executive, has been criticized by some of the retailer’s major shareholders. However, Rose, speaking at a conference in London last week, justified the move as a way of allowing other senior members of the team to “fly” as they compete for the chief executive’s role after his retirement.

Howard Smith has been promoted to executive vice president, Nickelodeon Recreation. Smith will oversee all aspects of Nickelodeon’s global Recreation business including live tours, theme parks, hotels, cruises, and new opportunities for kids and families to interact with its brand and characters. During Smith’s tenure at Nickelodeon, most recently as senior vice president of Nickelodeon Recreation, he has built its recreation business from scratch to an estimated $200 million annual business at retail.

Classic Media, an Entertainment Rights group company, appointed Colin McLaughlin to the position of licensing manager, effective immediately. As licensing manager at Classic Media, he will be responsible for building partnerships in North America with key licensees and retailers, leveraging the Company’s portfolio of children’s and family properties, including Casper the Friendly Ghost, George of the Jungle, Guess with Jess, Gumby, Underdog, and Where’s Waldo?.
 
Liz Mandracchia and Robin Geisler have joined NexCen Home Studios, owner of the Waverly lifestyle brand. Mandracchia has been named vice president, marketing and public relations; Geisler has been named licensing director. Both positions are newly created.